Alta Via 1

A hut-to-hut trek in the Dolomites is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a chance to taste one of Italy’s most distinctive mountain cuisines. In this region, Italian cooking meets Tyrolean tradition, shaped by alpine life, long winters, and generations of farming in high valleys. The result is a food culture built around hearty, practical dishes made from simple ingredients like bread, cheese, cured meats, and seasonal fruit, often served warm and filling after a long day on the trail. Whether you stop at a rifugio for lunch or settle in for dinner after a summit hike, the Dolomites offer comforting classics with a story behind them. From speck and canederli to sweet apple strudel, many recipes reflect the blend of cultures that defines South Tyrol and Trentino. Add a glass of vin brulé or a small grappa to finish, and you’ll quickly see why eating here feels like part of the trekking experience, not just something you do in between hikes.

You want to do a hut-to-hut trek in the Alps, but you’re not sure: will it be the Tour du Mont Blanc or the Alta Via 1? A luxury dilemma, because both are among the most beautiful multi-day hiking routes in Europe. Still, they differ quite a bit — in landscape, difficulty, comfort, and atmosphere. In this comparison, you’ll read exactly what to expect from each route, so you’ll know which Alpine hut-to-hut trek suits you best.

Above the Falzarego Pass in the Dolomites rises Monte Lagazuoi (2,835 m). Today it’s known for sweeping views and rewarding trails, but during the First World War it formed part of a cold, isolated front line where everyday survival was as brutal as the fighting. Deep inside the mountain, Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers carved a maze of tunnels and chambers, battling not only each other but also rockfalls, ice, and exhaustion in a war literally fought underground. These paths are now part of a powerful open-air museum, and the area is also crossed by the famous Alta Via 1, making Lagazuoi a standout for hikers who want to combine adventure with a striking piece of Dolomites history.